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Kitchen Secrets To Good Health

Morning Turmeric Drink Transformed My Health

I have always been a great believer in finding cures for common ailments in my kitchen cupboards. That is how I was brought up. Although she moved to England in the 1960’s, my Pakistani mother clung on to and passed down generations of wisdom when it came to dealing with minor illnesses in the family.

When I was younger, if I complained of a stomach ache, my mum was much more likely to reach for the ajwain seeds (carom or bishops weed as they are known in English), than the conventional indigestion remedy. It would be that or a fresh peppermint tea, made with the fresh, bright green leaves hand-picked by her from her beloved allotment.

And, if any of us kids had a nasty cold, she would make her very special garlic soup; this consisted of heaps of mashed garlic cloves, which were fried gently with a mixture of crushed seeds (fennel, cumin, coriander and ajwain), salt, and a generous pinch of red chilli powder, all boiled up into a thin soup. A plate or two of that usually sent the runny nose and sore throat packing.

But of course, I have come to realise that these aren’t just ‘old wives’ tales’; there is science behind these motherly acts carried out with a staunch sense of tradition.

Ajwain contains high levels of thymol, a chemical that helps in the release of gastric juices from the stomach, and in turn aids digestion.

The active ingredient in peppermint, namely menthol, has an anti-spasmodic effect, and this is the reason that it gives relief to an upset stomach.

Garlic is an absolute wonder. It fights infection and has properties that are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and it greatly boosts the immune system.

I had for many years been allergic to dairy and egg. Fortunately, my symptoms were not ever severe or life-threatening, but they were nevertheless very irritating; bouts of sneezing, incessant coughing, groups of hideous hives on my skin. I had tried a number of home remedies, as well as conventional medicine, to deal with this annoyance, but nothing had ever seemed to really get rid of the problem, until that is, a few months ago, when I concocted a new potion that has worked wonders. I can honestly say that since I have been taking this drink first thing every morning, my symptoms have gone. Disappeared. Just like that. So, what is this drink, I hear you ask? Lemon juice, honey, turmeric and warm water. Here’s the recipe and instructions. It’s so simple.

Good Morning Turmeric Drink

Ingredients

½ lemon

1 tsp raw honey

¼ - ½ tsp turmeric powder

4-8 fl. Oz. Warm water

Mix or blend all of the above thoroughly. Drink daily, and enjoy the benefits.

It is not really surprising that this drink has produced amazing results for me when you look at the health benefits of the ingredients.

Lemon Juice – lemons are a brilliant source of many vitamins and minerals, the most notable being vitamin C, and potassium, but they also contain anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Raw honey - this has many virtues. As well as being anti-fungal and anti-viral, studies have shown that amongst other things it is a strong antioxidant, it improves the immune system, and it helps to eliminate allergies

Turmeric – this stunning, bright yellow spice, which I previously used to utilise mainly in my traditional cooking, contains numerous health benefits, including the fact that it is anti-inflammatory, and a great anti-oxidant. Studies have shown that it may fight (and even prevent) cancer, and may delay age related diseases.

Why not have a look in your kitchen, and see what you can find to help you lead a healthier life.